Witcher 4 Ciri Controversy Addressed by Devs

CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's starring role in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. Read on for the latest updates.

Witcher 4 Development Insights: A Deeper Dive

Ciri's Protagonist Role: Addressing the Backlash

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential controversy of replacing Geralt with Ciri as the lead. He recognized the strong player attachment to Geralt, stating, "We knew it could be controversial...everyone loved playing as Geralt."

While admitting this is a "legitimate concern," Weber defended the decision, explaining that showcasing Ciri's story allows for exciting new narrative avenues within the Witcher universe. He emphasized that this wasn't a recent decision, but a long-term plan stemming from Ciri's established role in previous games and novels. It was, he said, a "natural evolution."

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's release will provide all necessary clarifications, hinting at explanations regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' post-Witcher 3 storylines. She stated, "The best answer will be the game itself."

However, Geralt isn't entirely absent. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he'll feature, albeit in a supporting role, alongside both new and returning characters. For further details, see our previous coverage! Our dedicated Witcher 4 article also offers more information and the latest updates.

Witcher 4: Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

A December 18th Eurogamer interview with Weber and director Sebastian Kalemba touched on current-gen console compatibility, but specifics remained elusive. Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, stating, "We want to support all platforms – PC, Xbox, and Sony – but I cannot, right now, tell you more specifics."

He described the reveal trailer as a "good benchmark" for their visual goals, implying that the final product may differ slightly from the trailer's visuals, but will remain true to the spirit of the Game Awards showcase.

A New Development Approach for Witcher 4

In a November 29th Eurogamer interview, CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, detailed a revised development approach aimed at preventing a Cyberpunk 2077-like launch. This involves prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure broader platform compatibility. A simultaneous PC and console release is likely, though supported consoles remain unconfirmed.

While details are scarce, developers assure fans that they're working to optimize the game for both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.